The Mets were comprehensively defeated by the Dodgers 9-0 in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium. Kodai Senga’s early struggles on the mound and a powerful Dodgers offence proved insurmountable for the Mets.
Senga, in his second start since returning from injury, lasted only 1⅓ innings, conceding three earned runs on four walks and one hit. His inability to find the strike zone put the Mets in an early deficit from which they couldn’t recover.
Mets pitcher Kodai Senga throws a pitch against the Dodgers.
The Dodgers capitalised on Senga’s wildness, scoring two runs in the first inning on a bases-loaded single by Max Muncy. They added another run in the second, forcing Senga’s early exit. The Mets bullpen fared no better, giving up six more runs throughout the game.
Meanwhile, Dodgers starter Jack Flaherty was masterful, shutting down the Mets offence for seven scoreless innings. He allowed only two hits and two walks while striking out six. The Mets were unable to mount any significant offensive threat against Flaherty’s dominant performance.
Mookie Betts delivered the final blow with a bases-clearing double in the eighth inning, extending the Dodgers’ lead to 9-0. Betts’ three-run double capped off a dominant offensive display by the Dodgers, who amassed 13 hits in the game.
The Mets’ offence struggled throughout the game, managing only two hits. Jesse Winker’s baserunning error in the fifth inning cost the Mets a potential run, further highlighting their offensive woes.
Shohei Ohtani contributed to the Dodgers’ victory with an RBI single and a run scored. His presence in the Dodgers’ lineup presented another challenge for the Mets pitchers.
David Peterson and Jose Butto, who followed Senga on the mound for the Mets, also struggled to contain the Dodgers’ offence. Peterson allowed three runs in the fourth, and Butto gave up three in the eighth.
The Mets will look to bounce back in Game 2 and level the series. However, they face a daunting task against a Dodgers team that appears to be firing on all cylinders. The loss puts the Mets in a must-win situation for the remainder of the series. Catching the Mets game live today will be crucial for fans hoping to witness a potential comeback.